Welcome to the Philippines! As they like to say here: It’s More Fun in the Philippines!
And it’s true. I absolutely love it here.
The people are amazing, so kind and gentle and very hospitable. The food is delicious, who couldn’t eat rice everyday? But, mostly we eat sandwiches. And God has long prepared me for this country of everlasting inferno by growing me up in Texas, although I could still ring out my sweaty clothes after ministry.
Matthew 8:20 says, "For where two or three gather in my name, there am I with them." I believe God is answering these prayers, but I also know that there is much power in numbers. So please join me in praying for these people and these places, lifting them up to the Lord, for He has given us the honor to intercede on their behalf.
- That God would transform the squatter village we visit in the mornings. (Squatter means that the people living on the land do not own the property and it can be bulldozed anytime the owner pleases) Specifically these families we have met: Diane (a mother of 2), Prince( a down syndrome 4 year old) and his family, Leega(the cutest and most frail little old lady), Rhea (a 13 year old girl who carries much mystery behind the door of her house that she will not open), and of course all the little ones running around the village, following us like baby ducks.
- Ella, a Ladyboy (male turned female), whom I had the joy to receive a haircut from. He works in a salon in Antipolo- a nearby city. In fact, prayers for the whole salon street- we are unsure if there is prostitution occurring or just much of the gay community working in salons.
- Our friends at Starbucks (yes, we have Starbucks and still call ourselves missionaries;) in Antipolo: Carlo, Sonia, Patty, Joanna, and of course the security guard Lentoyan.
- The children we met, played duck duck goose, and sang Christmas carols with one late night walking home. Our team wants to return every Wednesday to sing songs, read Bible stories, and play games with the children in the community. And maybe begin a bible study with the women.
- The JAZ Home girls. The JAZ Home is where we are living for the next three months with one other all girls team. This is a home for girls ranging 11-19 years old who have come from sexually abused backgrounds and broken families. 36 Pilipino girls live here, and we have the joy to hang out with them every day, lead bible studies, take them to movies, and hear their stories.
- The pool we are renovating here at the JAZ Home. More demolished tiles. Less bloody legs.
- NO more sickness in our house!
- And last but not least, that God would continue to bind our team together with love and thanksgiving, working in unity for His Kingdom. Our team dynamic is very healthy right now, and praise Jesus my team could testify that it’s been a heck of a ride. Pray that God continues to grow us deeper in Him and each other.
All for now, but more coming to you soon from the PI (Philippines that is). 🙂
